On Friday the 10th of October, Max Brooke gave his senior presentation on a topic that continues to affect him: gender. His presentation was informative but also deeply personal and emotional. He started the presentation by describing in detail the meaning and implications of the word ‘transgender,’ before explaining his own relation to gender and his experience of learning more about the topic. His presentation was accompanied by a minimalist slideshow and his explanations were clear and focused.

Once the slideshow concluded, and Max opened up the presentation for questions, the community showed a huge amount of support for him, with audience members giving encouragement and speaking of their personal experiences in a display of solidarity. When the community members shared their questions and experiences with Max, the room was charged with kindness, sincerity, and the kind of empathy that makes Dublin what it is.